Series introduction
This week we start a new series on the subject of discipleship - 'Sent'. Jesus’ last words on earth were to make disciples and so it’s vital that we understand so as to be living in light of what is often called The Great Commission. The words of our commission are:
‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Life can become very busy and, if we’re not listening to Jesus, we can become busy doing the wrong things or, at least, fail to put first things first.
During this course, you will have daily studies to work through which will enhance and help you to apply what God is teaching us through this series.
I encourage you to keep a journal to write notes, thoughts and prayers as we go through this discipleship series.
Chosen to learn from Jesus
In the age of the New Testament, a pupil would choose their teacher (Rabbi). However, Jesus chose His first disciples and He chooses us to be saved and to learn from Him. A disciple is one who been chosen to ‘learn to live like Jesus’. It’s learning from Him so as to live like Him in this world. Discipleship is helping others to learn from Jesus also.
Being a disciple and making disciple-makers is fundamental to being a Christian. Let’s agree with Jesus that we have been chosen for this. Discipleship is our primary need and what the world needs from us.
Please read Matthew 4:18-23; John 15:16 and consider:
Do you sense the Holy Spirit highlighting anything to you from today’s readings? I encourage you to write down your thoughts.
How does one become a disciple?
What do these verses teach us about the kind of response that one should make to Jesus' invitation to follow Him?
Take a moment to recall the circumstances and people through whom God worked in order to call you to follow Him. Pray that God would use you to help others to come to Jesus.
Please read Isaiah 6:8 (which we will us a lot in this series) and use it to pray, recommitting yourself to following Jesus as His disciple and to go and make disciples yourself.
To memorise this week: Matthew 28:19-20
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
Who was your most memorable teacher at school and why?
Introduction - please share in your group
This week we began a series on discipleship based upon The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Let's begin by reading this (this is also our memory verse for this week).
‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)